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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL)

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Legislative Update: Making Sure Every Minnesotan Can Put Food on the Table

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Dear neighbors,

We live in the wealthiest nation on Earth, yet millions of Americans go hungry every year because they cannot afford to feed themselves and their families.

This is an unacceptable and preventable tragedy that we must work together to fix.

Right now, one out of every seven Americans needs help putting food on the table. They are able to do so thanks to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or what is commonly known as “food stamps.”

Unfortunately, Republicans in Washington, D.C. want to slash SNAP funds to the bone, which would take food away from low-income women, men, children, and senior citizens – the very people who need a helping hand most. These individuals could become the victims of dangerous political games as federal lawmakers write a new Farm Bill, the legislation that provides funding for SNAP.

As Washington lawmakers continue crafting a bill, many Americans and Minnesotans saw their benefits decrease on November 1 due to the end of the extra benefits provided by the federal government during the recession.

The amount of SNAP benefits each eligible household receives depends on a variety of factors, such as income, household size and household expenses. On Nov. 1, a family of four with no income and no other changes to their case may see a decrease in monthly benefits by approximately $36.

If you or someone you know is being impacted by a decrease in benefits, here are a few helpful resources:

  • Minnesota Food Helpline, 1-888-711-1151, operated by Hunger Solutions Minnesota, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, can help explain the recent SNAP benefits changes and help callers locate a food shelf or other food assistance near their homes.
  • MinnesotaHelp.info provides a listing of emergency food resources around the state for those in immediate need.
  • A pamphlet from the U.S. Department of Agriculture contains tips on how to stretch food dollars through budgeting, food selection and low-cost recipes.
  • The Minnesota Department of Human Services SNAP outreach website answers common questions about SNAP and connects recipients with outreach partners across the state.

I hope you or someone you know finds these resources helpful as we continue working to prevent painful cuts to SNAP.

Sincerely,
 

Raymond Dehn
State Representative, District 59B